Sr. Counsel, Intellectual Property

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Job Description

Role Purpose:

The Sr. Counsel, Intellectual Property will serve as the primary point of contact for all IP matters for an innovative new initiative at NBCUniversal. This role requires a strong background advising on complex technology-related IP matters and transactions, fluency across a broad range of IP issues, and the ability to work collaboratively with legal, engineering, business, and other NBCUniversal teams to support the rapid development and growth of the business.

Here you can:

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for IP matters for the business
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on IP and technology transactions, including agreements related to game engines, creator tools, online services, game development studios, third-party marketplace assets, joint-development arrangements, and generative AI content production tools
• Partner with the business Lead Counsel, providing guidance on IP provisions and issues in commercial transactions
• Advise on open-source software policies in coordination with NBCUniversal IP subject-matter experts
• Implement and oversee trade secret protection practices relating to source code, proprietary tools, and technical documentation
• Develop guidelines related to the creation and use of generative AI content, including best practices and tracking processes
• Conduct IP and technology diligence for acquisitions, investments, and strategic partnerships
• Develop IP-related guidelines for content moderation and user-generated content policies, addressing copyright, trademark, rights of publicity, DMCA, and IP ownership frameworks
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on inbound licensing of third-party IP, including characters, music, brands, and other products
• Identify, assess, and coordinate with NBCUniversal IP subject-matter experts on broader IP matters, including trademarks, copyrights, rights of publicity, content clearance, and IP enforcement

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Must be a member in good standing of the California State Bar, or a member in good standing of another U.S. State Bar and eligible to register as in-house counsel in California
• Approximately 7+ years of IP and technology transactions experience, including substantial experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex transactions relating to video games, interactive entertainment, technology, consumer-facing products, or other innovative businesses
• Solid understanding of IP issues relevant to video games, generative AI, user-generated content, and content moderation, including fluency in content clearance, brand/franchise licensing, copyrights, patents, trademarks, rights of publicity, IP enforcement, and music licensing
• Exceptional issue-spotting, problem-solving, and business judgment skills
• Proven ability to operate effectively across a large organization and to influence outcomes through collaboration
• Track record of operating as a business-facing IP counsel in fast-moving, ambiguous situations, including evolving areas such as artificial intelligence
• Excellent executive presence and ability to communicate practical legal advice to senior business leaders, engineers, product managers, and creative leader

Desired Characteristics:

• Substantive experience in the video game and interactive entertainment industry, including experience with video game technologies, user-generated content, and game modifications
• Experience supporting generative AI content creation and distribution
• Passion for video games, interactive entertainment, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, digital platforms, or innovative consumer products
• Experience partnering closely with product, engineering, advertising, marketing, and business leadership teams
• Prior in-house legal experience at a video game publisher, developer, platform, or interactive media company is a plus

Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the Universal City, CA office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time. 

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary Range: $165,000-$200,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)  

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.